Dmitry Polikanov

Biography

Vice President of The PIR-Center and Chairman of Trialogue International Club. Author of more than 100 publications on conflict management, peacekeeping, arms control, international relations and foreign policy. Member of the International Institute for Strategic Studies, the International Sociological Association, the All-Russian Public Opinion Research Center Research Council.

The risk of a military conflict between Moscow and Washington has been overstated. However, both sides should think about prevention mechanisms to minimize the risk of accidents that could lead to an open conflict

The resignation of Sergei Ivanov could be part of a broader political trend, in which Vladimir Putin looks to appoint new individuals who can gain experience now in order to guide the smooth transfer of power later

The recently signed package of anti-extremism amendments (the Yarovaya Law) aims to combat terrorism in Russia. Instead, it gives Russian law enforcement agencies additional power and mechanisms to clamp down on popular dissent

There were few surprises in this year’s “Direct Line” with President Vladimir Putin. Foreign policy issues took up little of the agenda, as Russia’s citizens appeared much more concerned with economic and social issues and a return to stability and consistency

U.S. presidential frontrunners Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump are likely to pursue completely different approaches toward Russia if elected president. For now, the Kremlin is taking a pragmatic look at both candidates

There’s a reason why the Kremlin is becoming increasingly suspicious toward educational exchanges and shutting down some prominent programs – it’s all part of the Kremlin’s new international mindset that emphasizes self-sufficiency

During his annual press conference, Presdient Putin appeared to soften Russia's rhetoric about Syria and Ukraine, and even suggested that some sort of reconciliation might be possible with the people of Turkey, Georgia and Ukraine

Russia and the West fundamentally differ in their interpretations and responses to the crash of a Russian civilian airliner in Egypt. As a result, they are losing another opportunity to unite against the global threat posed by ISIS

This week a legendary American girl who helped bring the U.S. and the Soviet Union closer together would have celebrated her 43rd birthday. She is a symbolic reminder that people-to-people contact can play a big role in bilateral relations

The new law on “undesirable organizations” is just the latest attempt by the Kremlin to limit the activities of foreign NGOs on Russian soil. Some even warn that the law may be an attempt to prevent a color revolution in 2016

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry’s visit to Sochi has the potential to change the tone in U.S.-Russia relations and turn down the tensions provoked by the so-called “information war” - but only if both sides act quickly

As the flow of refugees from Eastern Ukraine increases to the southern regions of Russia, the indignation of locals – who are becoming more and more reluctant to host Ukrainians – is also growing. Can it lead to social tensions and give another impetus to end the Ukrainian crisis?

While President Putin continues to show remarkable understanding of what’s happening in the international arena, there is growing concern that he may be letting Russia’s domestic problems drift without developing any long-term strategy for addressing them